Update - Cummins statement on job losses

Engineering firm Cummins has revealed this morning (Friday) the reasons for job losses announced earlier this week.

The firm announced on Wednesday that up to 150 jobs could be lost at the plant on the Royal Oak Industrial Estate which currently employs 1,100 employees.

A Cummins spokesman said: “Economic uncertainty is expected to continue into 2013 and the weak global markets continue to impact all Cummins business units. In an effort to respond to the weak demand, we are taking actions to manage costs, which includes workforce reductions.

“This is difficult for Cummins and difficult for our employees and we are taking a careful and thoughtful approach.

“By taking action now Cummins will be prepared to emerge stronger and more quickly from the economic downturn.”

Cummins has also revealed it is still committed to the town.

The workers will be lost from the shop floor and the office. The statement also said it hoped to keep the job losses lower than 150.